Last but not least, Callum Ilott rounded off Ferrari’s massive week of testing at Fiorano that saw seven drivers take to the track onboard the Scuderia’s 2018 SF71H car.
Ilott took over from his former F2 rival Mick Schumacher on Friday afternoon, reacquainting himself with the same machine he sampled back in September during Ferrari’s ‘Road to F1’ test in which Schumacher and fellow FDA member Robert Shartzman also took part.
Ilott will unfortunately spend 2021 on the sidleines but the 22-year-old will nevertheless fulfill the role of test driver for Ferrari this year.
At the conclusion of the five-day test at Fiorano, Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies was delighted with everyone’s performance and ability to prepare for the season ahead.
“Seven drivers on track over the five days, covering more than 1500 kilometres between them made for a really busy week for the team at Fiorano,” said Mekies.
“The most important aspect of the test was to give the Scuderia official race drivers, Charles and Carlos, the opportunity to get back into the swing of driving again after the winter break.
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“For the FDA guys it was another opportunity to experience driving a Formula 1 car. For Carlos and Marcus the test was also a “first”, as the Spaniard’s was making his debut with his new team and the New Zealander was experiencing a Formula 1 car for the first time.
“For Giuliano [Alesi], the test represented a farewell gift, as his time with the FDA has come to an end. I think the best thing about the week was the atmosphere in the garage at our home track, with all the guys really happy to be back on track, to prepare as well as possible for the upcoming season.”
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